23/07/2026
IIT Ropar Felicitates Inaugural Cohort of Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholars
IIT Ropar today felicitated its inaugural cohort of Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholars in a special ceremony held on campus. The event was attended by Dr. Ishan Shivanand, mental health researcher, Founder of the global initiative Compassion Unites, and Adjunct Faculty at IIT Ropar.
The ceremony marked the institute's formal recognition of a new group of students selected not just for academic excellence, but for their holistic development, leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to social impact.
A Broader Definition of Merit
Through this scholarship, IIT Ropar recognizes students who combine academic excellence with inner balance and purpose. Unlike conventional scholarships based solely on financial need or grades, this impact-based scholarship evaluates candidates across several dimensions. These include intellectual depth, leadership and initiative, social contribution, physical discipline, character, integrity, and overall personal development.
Comprehensive Support for Scholars
Each Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholar at IIT Ropar receives a full scholarship covering tuition fees, academic expenses, hostel accommodation, and mess charges. This ensures financial constraints never limit exceptional talent at the institute.
The programme also gives Scholars year-round mentorship and exposure through interactions with distinguished leaders from civil services, healthcare, finance, technology, and other sectors. This helps them build interdisciplinary perspectives and prepare for complex leadership challenges.
As the scholarship community grows, IIT Ropar Scholars become part of a lifelong network of peers across professions and geographies. They also receive training in evidence-based wellness and breathwork practices to build resilience and mental well-being alongside academic performance.
Director's Remarks
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, said:
"At IIT Ropar, we believe that the leaders of tomorrow must possess not only technical excellence but also character, resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. The Dr. Ishan Shivanand Scholarship complements our vision by recognizing holistic excellence and encouraging students to become innovators and compassionate nation-builders. We are proud to partner in this unique initiative that nurtures excellence with purpose."
Dr. Ishan Shivanand’s Remarks
"IIT Ropar has consistently stood out for its research culture and its focus on producing engineers who think beyond textbooks. For students who want to pursue engineering with real depth in research and science, this is one of the finest environments in the country to grow in. Through this scholarship, I hope we can support students here who carry both academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose."
Institute's Vision
Through this partnership, IIT Ropar continues to build a forward-looking model of higher education, one that brings together academic excellence, holistic well-being, leadership development, and social responsibility. By nurturing students with competence, character, compassion, and awareness, the institute aims to shape a new generation of leaders equipped to drive innovation, serve society, and contribute to nation-building.
